Building Strong and
Sovereign First Nations
Okimaw Community and HR Solutions is Canada’s leading Indigenous-owned and operated firms, specializing in workforce development, training, and strategic organizational support for First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Our mission is to walk alongside communities on their path to sovereignty by delivering practical, impactful programs that reflect both traditional values and modern best practices.
Our Focus Areas:
Professional &
Workforce
Development
Our Focus Areas:
Empowering First Nations through HR training, workshops, and customized programs that build local expertise and leadership.
Organizational &
Community
Development
Strengthening self-governance through strategic planning, sustainable economic development, and business growth support.
Law & Policy
Development
Reclaiming governance through Indigenous-led HR frameworks, administrative policies, and decolonized governance structures.
Our approach is rooted in sovereignty, self-governance, and economic independence, ensuring First Nations thrive on their own terms.
Let’s Build Strong, Sovereign Nations Together.
Strategic Planning
for Four Pillars
Settlement
Funding
We help First Nations develop 5-year strategic plans that meet program requirements and unlock full access to Four Pillars funding for language, culture, heritage, and wellness initiatives.
Okimaw Community and HR Solutions walked alongside us every step of the way. They listened to our voices, respected our knowledge, and helped us bring our vision to life in a good way. Because of their guidance and support, our Elders Advisory completed our strategic plan with confidence, and Roseau River was able to receive $1.4 million in Four Pillars funding in the first year. This is a big step forward for our language, culture, and wellness. We are grateful for their partnership and heart
–ED HAYDEN SR.
Chair, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Elders Advisory
Okimaw Human
Resource (HR)
Training Institute
The Okimaw HR Training Institute offers structured, culturally grounded HR training for First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Through our three-level HR Program Ladder, participants build skills in HR fundamentals, practical management, and strategic leadership. Each level is delivered over three days and can be accessed at regional HR Institutes or delivered on-site. Our training helps Nations strengthen governance, support employees, and build long-term capacity for self-determined success.
Membership-Based HR Support
for First Nations & Indigenous
Organizations
Okimaw offers a flexible, membership-based HR support program designed specifically for First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Members receive ongoing access to expert HR advice, policy templates, guidance on employee relations, and support with day-to-day HR issues. Our goal is to provide reliable, culturally informed HR services that strengthen your internal capacity while respecting your governance systems and community values.
UPCOMING EVENTS
No upcoming events found.
MEET OUR TEAM
Terry Brown and Miranda Bear bring deep experience in Indigenous governance and HR systems. Together, they lead our work with dedication, cultural integrity, and a commitment to Nation-building.
Miranda Bear, B.Comm
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Miranda brings over 25 years of experience in human and community services, including project management. A proud member of Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan, Miranda carries the Cree name “Woman Who Sits with the Rocks.” She holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Human Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan, along with diplomas in Accounting and Payroll Administration, Travel and Tourism, and Family Intervention and Youth Counseling.
Miranda has led a wide range of HR initiatives across federally and provincially regulated organizations, including policy development, recruitment, training, payroll, and compliance. She is known for her ability to organize impactful staff retreats, conferences, and career fairs that support community capacity building. With a strong network in Indigenous communities and a passion for empowering others, Miranda believes in the potential of people to grow, lead, and transform not only businesses but entire nations. She is also a proud wife and mother, grounded in family and guided by her deep commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and communities.
Terry Brown, B.Comm (Hons.)
CEO
Terry Brown is a proud member of Peguis First Nation and the CEO of Okimaw Community and HR Solutions. A respected Indigenous business leader, Terry brings decades of experience working with First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and Native American communities. His work focuses on economic reconciliation, capacity building, and connecting Indigenous and mainstream businesses.
With a strong track record of strategic problem-solving and business development, Terry has contributed to over half a billion dollars in sales through successful partnerships with governments and Fortune 500 companies. He currently co-chairs the Economic Reconciliation Committee at the Business Council of Manitoba and serves on several boards, including BUILD and Little Stars Playhouse. Named Red Star Turtle Man by elders, Terry is committed to sharing knowledge and supporting Indigenous prosperity across Turtle Island. He is also a proud husband and father and finds his greatest inspiration in his role as a partner of over 20 years and a devoted dad to his 12-year-old daughter.
“At Okimaw, our work is about more than policies and programs — it’s about Nation-building. As Indigenous people, we carry the wisdom of our ancestors and the responsibility to create better systems for future generations. Our commitment is to walk alongside communities, honour their vision, and help build solutions rooted in culture, purpose, and sovereignty. When we combine traditional knowledge with practical tools, we create lasting change that reflects who we are and where we’re going.” - Terry Brown, CEO, Okimaw Community and HR Solutions
We’re Here When You Need Us
Join our membership program and gain trusted, responsive HR support built for Indigenous organizations. Contact us to get started—we’re only a call or email away.
